Poetry
~
Reflections From Life Itself

 

Lovely Dear One

 

This poem was written for the occasion of Laurana's twenty-first birthday, following a year marked by her joyous springtime baptism in the Pacific Ocean and, later, a terrible automobile accident in late summer with its long and difficult recovery.

The poem opens by remembering a brief but impactful moment from my own life as a medical student in Massachusetts in the mid-1970s. During that period, walks in the nearby woods had become my way of relaxing and enjoying nature. An interest in wildflowers developed, and on the occasion recounted in this poem, a perfectly placed beam of sunlight broke through the forest canopy and fell upon an Eastern Red Columbine. Shockingly colorful in the bright sunlight, it made a lasting impression on me. (The watercolor below is by G'ma.)

In the final stanza, my thoughts shift to Laurana, blending observations and inklings or impressions formed from afar, and drawing parallels between her strength and beauty and that of the resolute Columbine.

This poem was given as a heartfelt expression of care and love, of appreciation and admiration for her quiet strength, and of deep fondness for her as my granddaughter.

Written with love as always.

Lovely Dear One
For Laurana

Delicate they sit in dappled sunlight
A sudden stillness
To this cool springtime stroll,
My morning world of shadow and calm,
A respite; then
Oh! Beauty and ethereal grace
Blossoming forth
From winter's freeze
Stalwart perseverance anew.

Delicate petals and sepals
Stamens ablaze, these call
For inspection—and introspection—
Numinous
A moment recalled now fifty years on,
Ardent red, lambent yellow,
Brilliant they
In this stream of light
Standing strong
Announcing with poise and mettle
Here I, humble columbine, stand, and
O will stand again.

Now another,
Delicate indomitable lovely dear one
Sublime yet reticent
Ineffable, hesitant
You too of beautiful ethereal grace
Winsomely tenacious;
Then
Springtime New Birth
Glorious moment of consecration
Dedication
Bursting forth from Pacific water's tumult
Eternally bathed in radiant light:
Yield
And claim strength anew.


With love always, Papa
16 June 2026